One-string fiddle
Alternate name(s)
- Jap fiddle
Maker
Levsoy
Date1920 ca.
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Serial No.none
SignedInscribed in pencil inside the back: MADE/BY/LEVSOYMarkingsThe table with faint inked lines - Chinese characters (?)
DescriptionA composite one-stringed fiddle constructed from the pine sound table, the maple sides, end-clasp and lower neck of a Neapolitan mandolin extended by the addition of a banjo neck. The original curved back replaced by an oval, flat piece of wood. Ivory stringing between the table and ribs. The paper scratch plate mounted with modern Chinese paper cut-outs.
The banjo-neck extension is scored with grooves serving as frets, and terminates in a round (homoxylic) peg-board. Single, dorsally-mounted violoncello peg for one thick gut string running to a violin end-pin that replaces the original pins. Two pieces of white wood form a bridge, one piece forms an upper bridge.
DimensionsOver all length: 681 mm
Over all width: 202 mm
String length: 511 mm
ProvenanceArne B. Larson Collection, Vermillion, South Dakota, 1979.
Credit LineArne B. Larson Collection, 1979
Object number05607
On View
Not on view
1910 ca.
1850-1890 ca.